A banking system operates to provide vault access responsive to authorizing data read from data bearing records. The system selectively permits authorized individuals to access safety deposit boxes located in an interior area of the vault. An individuals's personal mobile device can wirelessly communicate user identifying data to a data reader of the system. A system data store includes data corresponding to authorized users of the vault. A system computer operates to cause a vault gate lock to electronically change from a locked condition to an unlocked condition in response to the data reader wirelessly receiving from the personal mobile device, user identifying data associated in the system data store with an authorized user of the vault.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. Apparatus comprising: an electronic safety deposit box key docking station, wherein the docking station is associated with a plurality of safety deposit boxes, each of which includes a cover lock assembly comprising a lock operable to prevent manual access to a door key opening configured to receive therein a physical key, wherein the docking station is operative to communicate with a plurality of hand held user devices, at least one user input device operative to receive identifying inputs from authorized users of the safety deposit boxes, at least one computer, wherein the at least one computer is associated with the docking station and the at least one user input device, wherein the at least one computer is operable responsive to at least one identifying input received through the at least one user input device from a first user, to cause the docking station to provide to a first hand held user device associated with the first user, safety deposit box unlocking data for a particular safety deposit box corresponding to the at least one identifying input, wherein the safety deposit box unlocking data enables the first hand held user device when placed in operative communication with the cover lock assembly of the particular safety deposit box, to cause the lock to be placed in an unlocked condition in which the door key opening is manually accessible, wherein the docking station is operative to receive from the first hand held user device, usage data corresponding to use of the particular safety deposit box by the first user.
A system for managing access to safety deposit boxes uses an electronic docking station connected to multiple safety deposit boxes. Each box has a locked cover preventing access to the physical key. The docking station communicates with user devices (like phones) and receives identifying input from authorized users. A computer associated with the docking station receives a user's identifying input and sends unlocking data to the user's device for a specific safety deposit box. When the device is near the box's cover lock, the unlocking data allows the device to unlock the cover, providing access to the physical key. The docking station also receives usage data from the user's device about the box use.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each hand held user device comprises a mobile communication device.
The safety deposit box access system described in the previous claim is further defined such that each hand held user device used to unlock the safety deposit boxes is a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each mobile communication device comprises a mobile phone, wherein the at least one identifying input includes biometric data, wherein the at least one user input device includes a biometric data reader, wherein the biometric data reader is operable to wirelessly read biometric data from a mobile phone, wherein the at least one computer is operable responsive at least in part to biometric data read by the biometric data reader corresponding to an authorized user, to cause the docking station to provide the safety deposit box unlocking data to the mobile phone associated with the first user.
In the safety deposit box access system where mobile communication devices are used as unlock mechanisms, each mobile device is specifically a mobile phone. The identifying input from the user includes biometric data. The user input device includes a biometric data reader that wirelessly reads biometric data from the mobile phone. The computer grants access and sends unlocking data only after verifying the biometric data read by the biometric data reader, corresponding to an authorized user. The safety deposit box unlocking data is then sent to the mobile phone associated with the user.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each mobile communication device is operative to wirelessly communicate with the docking station.
In the safety deposit box access system where mobile communication devices are used as unlock mechanisms, each mobile communication device wirelessly communicates with the docking station to receive safety deposit box unlocking data and transmit usage data back to the docking station.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising the plurality of hand held user devices, wherein each hand held user device comprises a personal mobile communication device.
The safety deposit box access system described previously includes the plurality of hand held user devices, where each of these devices is a personal mobile communication device such as a mobile phone.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each hand held user device comprises an electronic key module.
The safety deposit box access system previously described uses electronic key modules (instead of mobile phones) as the handheld devices for unlocking the safety deposit boxes.
7. Apparatus comprising: an electronic safety deposit box key docking station, wherein the docking station is operatively engageable with a plurality of electronic key modules, wherein the docking station includes at least one visual indicator, at least one user input device operative to receive identifying inputs from authorized users of safety deposit boxes, at least one computer, wherein the at least one computer is associated with the docking station and the at least one user input device, wherein the at least one computer is operable responsive to at least one identifying input received through the at least one user input device from a first user, to cause to be stored in a data store of an electronic key module that is in operative engagement with the docking station, key data operative to enable the electronic key module to open on a particular safety deposit box among the safety deposit boxes, a cover lock that provides access to a key lock aperture that is configured to receive therein a physical key usable to open the particular safety deposit box, wherein the at least one computer is operable to cause the at least one visual indicator to indicate that the electronic key module is to be taken by the first user.
A system for managing access to safety deposit boxes employs a docking station that interfaces with electronic key modules. The docking station includes visual indicators and receives identifying inputs from authorized users. Upon receiving valid user identification, the system's computer stores key data into a key module that is engaged with the docking station. This key data is specific to a particular safety deposit box, enabling the key module to open the cover lock and provide access to the physical key. The system computer then activates a visual indicator on the docking station to signal to the user to take the programmed electronic key module.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein each electronic key module comprises a mobile communication device, wherein the docking station is operative to wirelessly communicate with the plurality of mobile communication devices.
This invention relates to a system for managing electronic key modules, particularly for controlling access to a vehicle or other secured asset. The system addresses the problem of securely distributing and managing access permissions for multiple users through mobile communication devices, ensuring that only authorized individuals can operate or access the asset. The apparatus includes a docking station and multiple electronic key modules, each implemented as a mobile communication device. The docking station is configured to wirelessly communicate with these mobile devices, enabling secure data exchange and authentication. The docking station may also provide charging or other functional support to the mobile devices. Each mobile device acts as an electronic key, storing and processing access credentials that determine user permissions. The docking station verifies these credentials before granting access, ensuring only authorized devices can interact with the secured asset. The system enhances security by leveraging wireless communication, reducing the need for physical key exchanges or manual authentication processes. It also allows for dynamic updates to access permissions, enabling remote management of user rights. The use of mobile devices as electronic keys simplifies deployment and improves user convenience while maintaining robust security measures. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple users require controlled access to a shared asset, such as fleet vehicles or shared equipment.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the at least one computer is operable to cause the at least one visual indicator to visually indicate that the electronic key module is to be taken when the electronic key module includes the key data.
The safety deposit box access system using electronic key modules visually indicates that the module is ready to be taken by the user only after the key data has been successfully stored on the electronic key module.
10. The apparatus according to claim 7 and further comprising the plurality of safety deposit boxes, a vault housing the plurality of safety deposit boxes, a vault gate, a vault gate lock operatively engageable with the vault gate, wherein the vault gate lock is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, wherein in the unlocked condition the vault is manually accessible, wherein the vault gate lock is in operative connection with the docking station, wherein responsive at least in part to storage of the key data in the electronic key module that is in operative engagement with the docking station, the vault gate lock is caused to change from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
The safety deposit box access system with electronic key modules includes the safety deposit boxes, a vault housing them, a vault gate, and a lock for the vault gate. The vault gate lock can switch between locked and unlocked states, granting or denying manual access to the vault. The vault gate lock is connected to the docking station. When the key data is stored in an electronic key module at the docking station, the vault gate lock automatically unlocks, allowing the user to enter the vault.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7 and further comprising a plurality of electronic key modules, wherein the at least one computer is operable to cause the key data to be stored in any electronic key module that is in operative engagement with the docking station, wherein a respective electronic key module is usable to open the cover lock of a respective safety deposit box.
The safety deposit box system using electronic key modules enables the computer to store the key data in any electronic key module that is engaged with the docking station. Each key module is associated with and usable to open a specific safety deposit box.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein each respective electronic key module is usable to open the cover lock of the particular safety deposit box.
The safety deposit box system described previously using electronic key modules defines that each respective electronic key module is specifically designed to open the cover lock of the particular safety deposit box for which it was programmed.
13. Apparatus comprising: an electronic safety deposit box key docking station, wherein the docking station is configured to be operatively connected with each of a plurality of hand held electronic key modules, wherein the docking station is operative to communicate to a respective electronic key module operatively connected therewith, safety deposit box unlocking data corresponding to a particular safety deposit box among a plurality of safety deposit boxes which each include a cover lock assembly comprising a lock operable to prevent manual access to a door key opening configured to receive therein a physical key, wherein the safety deposit box unlocking data enables the respective electronic key module when placed in operative connection with the cover lock assembly of the particular safety deposit box, to cause the lock to be placed in an unlocked condition in which the door key opening is manually accessible, wherein the docking station is operative to receive from each respective electronic key module when the respective electronic key module is operatively connected therewith, usage data corresponding to use of the respective electronic key module with regard to at least one of the plurality of safety deposit boxes.
A system for managing safety deposit box access utilizes a docking station designed to connect with handheld electronic key modules. The docking station communicates unlocking data (specific to a safety deposit box) to a connected key module. Each safety deposit box has a locked cover preventing access to the physical key. When the key module is near the box's cover lock, the unlocking data allows the module to unlock the cover, granting access to the physical key. The docking station also receives usage data from each electronic key module about its use with the safety deposit boxes when the electronic key module is operatively connected with the docking station.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each electronic key module comprises a mobile communication device.
In the safety deposit box access system previously described, each electronic key module that is used to open the safety deposit box is a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each mobile communication device comprises a mobile phone, wherein the docking station is operative to wirelessly communicate safety deposit box unlocking data to each respective mobile phone.
In the safety deposit box access system where the electronic key modules are mobile phones, the docking station wirelessly communicates the safety deposit box unlocking data to each mobile phone.
16. The apparatus according to claim 13 and further comprising the plurality of electronic key modules.
The safety deposit box access system described previously includes the plurality of electronic key modules that are used by authorized users to open their respective safety deposit boxes.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each electronic key module comprises a personal mobile communication device.
The safety deposit box access system using electronic key modules describes that each of these modules is a personal mobile communication device.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein each personal mobile communication device comprises a mobile phone.
The safety deposit box access system uses personal mobile communication devices, clarifying that each of those devices is a mobile phone.
19. The apparatus according to claim 13 and further comprising at least one processor, wherein the docking station includes at least one visual indicator, wherein the at least one processor is operable responsive at least in part to communication of the safety deposit box unlocking data from the docking station to the respective electronic key module, to cause the at least one visual indicator to visually indicate that the electronic key module is ready to be used to cause the lock of the particular safety deposit box to be placed in the unlocked condition.
The safety deposit box access system includes a processor and visual indicators on the docking station. After the docking station communicates the safety deposit box unlocking data to an electronic key module, the processor triggers the visual indicator. This indicates that the electronic key module is ready to be used to unlock the specific safety deposit box.
20. The apparatus according to claim 13 and further comprising the plurality of safety deposit boxes, a vault housing the plurality of safety deposit boxes, a vault gate, a vault gate lock operatively engageable with the vault gate, wherein the vault gate lock is changeable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, wherein in the unlocked condition the vault is manually accessible, wherein the vault gate lock is in operative connection with the docking station, wherein responsive at least in part to communication of the safety deposit box unlocking data from the docking station to the respective electronic key module, the vault gate lock is caused to change from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.
The safety deposit box access system contains the physical safety deposit boxes, a vault to house them, a vault gate, and a lock on the vault gate. The vault gate lock changes between locked and unlocked states, controlling manual access. The vault gate lock is connected to the docking station. After the docking station sends the safety deposit box unlocking data to the electronic key module, the vault gate lock automatically unlocks, granting access to the vault.
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June 1, 2012
July 9, 2013
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